tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274985334086351862024-03-13T10:26:44.395-05:00Moments of SunshineAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-19416476299925110222013-01-21T00:16:00.000-06:002013-01-21T00:18:52.687-06:00How Stockpiling Can Save You Money<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Stocking up, stockpiling, buying ahead, buying in bulk, creating a stock pile, etc. I prefer to say that I am creating "My Own Home Store!" However you want to say it, it can save you money. Here's how.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Items go on sale approximately every 12 weeks. This is called a "sale cycle." So, you can expect your favorite toiletries and foods to be on sale approximately every 3 months.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When your desired items go on sale, you should purchase enough to last your family 3 months (until the next sale cycle). This way, you are never paying full price for these items.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For example, last week organic coconut flour (2.2 lbs) was on sale through Tropical Traditions for $9.99. Regular price is $15. I only needed 1 bag, but I purchased 3 at the discounted price. This should last me until it goes on sale again. I saved $15 by purchasing more at the discounted price.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The extra bags of coconut flour are now part of my home store!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When you stockpile, you are purchasing enough products at a discounted price to last you until the next sale.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzLSlR0u3GRRKY64RZk9gQ_6MsfliR_j5JJRHrk7lyGPo-dKj8jUq0elevI0iqK4KRKAmUepCEURrOmJJiAa7VxS6Z5LXZlk0lnzsmjmAmNMylh6UFfJqs4WBF-IZdWWbUbYUhXHYsXo/s1600/springsummer09+244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzLSlR0u3GRRKY64RZk9gQ_6MsfliR_j5JJRHrk7lyGPo-dKj8jUq0elevI0iqK4KRKAmUepCEURrOmJJiAa7VxS6Z5LXZlk0lnzsmjmAmNMylh6UFfJqs4WBF-IZdWWbUbYUhXHYsXo/s400/springsummer09+244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a big coupon shopping trip from a few years back. Obviously, before we started making a switch to whole foods.</td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-88908288495883012262013-01-17T17:45:00.000-06:002013-01-17T17:45:31.595-06:00Shortening Replacement<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are so many conflicting opinions on what you should eat that it is difficult to make sense of it all. After all of the information I have read on nutrition, I have determined to do what feels right to me. That may be different than what is best for you, but it helps me to feel so much more at ease. I am tired of feeling guilty about how I am feeding my family. What makes the most sense to me, is to eat less processed, more whole foods.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have a problem, though. I love to bake. In the past, I have used a ton of butter-flavored shortening. Well, after realizing how bad it is for you, I spent several years using butter as a replacement. <span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately</span>, there are many baked goods that just don't turn out as nicely when I use butter instead of shortening. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Enter Palm Shortening</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMzNSgoGGXz8nXf1cfSgJBDUP5h5a9pICVL5R41s9poFKZuHKyJo9wHFF2gI7s3Oa0R8VPZ8Zx_r4-MOqliyV2FgU1VoIPL9-mIhYzo_0nGpYcuTQdO4zhyphenhyphenzWcMhw_DhOx5sIoIAdVBs/s1600/Palm+Shortening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMzNSgoGGXz8nXf1cfSgJBDUP5h5a9pICVL5R41s9poFKZuHKyJo9wHFF2gI7s3Oa0R8VPZ8Zx_r4-MOqliyV2FgU1VoIPL9-mIhYzo_0nGpYcuTQdO4zhyphenhyphenzWcMhw_DhOx5sIoIAdVBs/s320/Palm+Shortening.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I first heard about palm shortening from Facebook. Someone on the same local, natural living group posted that she had just gotten a great deal on it through <a href="http://aprilfrancom.blogspot.com/2013/01/free-shipping-at-tropical-traditions.html" target="_blank">Tropical Traditions</a>. I buy my coconut oil through them, so I was intrigued. Later, I read about palm oil on <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-many-shades-of-palm-oil/" target="_blank">The Healthy Home Economist</a>. In the comments, someone mentioned palm shortening. So, I decided to try it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is great! It has the benefits of palm oil and none of the garbage of shortening. It isn't flavored and is a little bit lighter and fluffier than vegetable shortening. I am very happy to have found this for my family.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I use the palm shortening in a lot of recipes - baked goods mainly. It is also great for frying, but I tend to use coconut oil for that. Now, most of the baked goods I make are not entirely healthy. I feel better, though, knowing that I am moving over to healthier ingredients.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have you changed any of the products that you use for your family?</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40jKRaPWbZrWwa0bf2104qXNZz1Ooi-zXdkmWD1WWgDTKS2zS7PBNhnEfD-9nKK308g18VVGK0-GcqRijPCAn2oxZQgD8_IPQJ4KZ6wHo7RkCZOleXp43bZ8tVDmPFdf75H8_h8I2qIY/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40jKRaPWbZrWwa0bf2104qXNZz1Ooi-zXdkmWD1WWgDTKS2zS7PBNhnEfD-9nKK308g18VVGK0-GcqRijPCAn2oxZQgD8_IPQJ4KZ6wHo7RkCZOleXp43bZ8tVDmPFdf75H8_h8I2qIY/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-66026940867232716822013-01-08T12:50:00.001-06:002013-01-08T12:50:56.040-06:00Six Flags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfFHwYWMwyNBWN_sVllUYBAiHUJ273OcsxfJRDs0G__RaBHN7S6AxlzNq4pkDl_1CXkXw9MUMLuz8zPraP8_Qmrn4JmmrgGb7WOEyXE3AAiiwHzKjVCjiMgYKAe250WccrgyXQM75chU/s1600/610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfFHwYWMwyNBWN_sVllUYBAiHUJ273OcsxfJRDs0G__RaBHN7S6AxlzNq4pkDl_1CXkXw9MUMLuz8zPraP8_Qmrn4JmmrgGb7WOEyXE3AAiiwHzKjVCjiMgYKAe250WccrgyXQM75chU/s640/610.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of the gifts we gave to the kids for Christmas was Season Passes to Six Flags!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We spent a cold afternoon going to the park with friends to get our pictures taken for our passes. While we were there, we decided to go on a few rides. We had a great time and are looking forward to spending more time there this spring and summer. The best part is that we don't have to stay all day! I love the idea of having passes, so that we can go for just a couple of hours and not feel like we are wasting money. </span></span></div>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-63825390121932841952013-01-08T11:41:00.000-06:002013-01-08T12:40:00.942-06:00Painting<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When we moved into this house, we had painters come in and paint the main areas of the house. They did the kitchen, living room, stair case and upstairs hallway. These areas have very high ceilings and we knew we couldn't do it on our own. We also had all of the drywall fixed in the entire house. So, every. single. room. has places on the walls where the drywall was patched/fixed. This left us with a lot of painting to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We decided to start with the Alexandra's room. She really wanted to be a part of her decorating, so we told her to invite a friend over and they could paint. (this also got us out of having to paint the entire room - a wonderful benefit!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NyltRd-Hg6s3xPtWUmxnZt7rF3UBQoPI9qsINoAWZ75syqcCHr6E4isFN52ewDotNlLSqMh3ccYWWTshxAb6iuSR57kubcIt3cexoa5yTsf2Ybo6uoIOvB1CY8DdeGEYdM49DlUSpSI/s1600/603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NyltRd-Hg6s3xPtWUmxnZt7rF3UBQoPI9qsINoAWZ75syqcCHr6E4isFN52ewDotNlLSqMh3ccYWWTshxAb6iuSR57kubcIt3cexoa5yTsf2Ybo6uoIOvB1CY8DdeGEYdM49DlUSpSI/s640/603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They had a really good time. Of course, Alex had never painted a room before, so there was a large learning curve, but they did a great job for their very first time! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1IACDtwqZpUgTJeGf9RMnd09Jh-V7DiEGp7Jv1oe3LdQl9gXFLJj_azHiYcczcZXxJ3VugcxZfqom5zzdnVSmGfKhibow341-IHMOOmNTS2-koQqOxY34uqoVbb7yudWOj6WoZcqTBA/s1600/605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1IACDtwqZpUgTJeGf9RMnd09Jh-V7DiEGp7Jv1oe3LdQl9gXFLJj_azHiYcczcZXxJ3VugcxZfqom5zzdnVSmGfKhibow341-IHMOOmNTS2-koQqOxY34uqoVbb7yudWOj6WoZcqTBA/s640/605.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I tend to have a difficult time letting my children do big projects like this, because I want them to do it MY way and have it look the way I want it to. I am really trying hard to let go more and let them do these things. I want to give them the skills they need to be on their own. I also feel that letting them do more will give them more confidence to try new things and take on bigger challenges. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>That is a lot of philosophy on painting a room, but I think it is true. Do you<span style="font-size: large;">r children work on big projects at <span style="font-size: large;">your house?</span></span></i></span></span></div>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-4264440261931359192013-01-05T11:52:00.002-06:002013-01-05T11:52:49.702-06:00Free Shipping at Tropical Traditions<br /><br /><a href="http://secure.ttpurchase.com/0BB6880B-1E0B-90B3-0E1E8613506ABE24"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/images/150x48logo.png" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" /><br />Tropical Traditions Weekly Sales</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I buy my coconut oil through Tropical Traditions. This weekend, they have Free Shipping!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just use coupon code 13711.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They have some great sales going on right now, too. I plan on buying some coconut flour to try. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*Thank you for using my referral link. Please note that I will receive credit for each new customer that I refer.
</span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-7458982073049155352013-01-04T10:38:00.004-06:002013-01-04T10:38:43.906-06:00whole food eating and coupons?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA6Pyg04bHXDWGmTTyGsxtYn5AgqgAV18b-cDowPMUT3szRmIhDrT_i74_8OW98Sf3NfSnfmb4AHKooJFAzcf_xr1di9EYW1pYTH5ycQfKvz5mI0joe33YdcEIgS9IyhwUq5wfRVF5is/s1600/coupons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA6Pyg04bHXDWGmTTyGsxtYn5AgqgAV18b-cDowPMUT3szRmIhDrT_i74_8OW98Sf3NfSnfmb4AHKooJFAzcf_xr1di9EYW1pYTH5ycQfKvz5mI0joe33YdcEIgS9IyhwUq5wfRVF5is/s400/coupons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One thing that I heard a lot of people say, back when I was teaching coupon classes, was that they didn't want to learn about using coupons, because they didn't eat junk food. They believed that there were no coupons available for the healthy foods that they ate. Well, they were wrong! (and I told them that) There are many coupons out there for whole, real foods - you just need to know where to look. Even though we are starting on a whole food eating adventure, I still plan on using coupons.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t is true that there are many, many coupons available for unhealthy, processed foods that my family will not be eating. I plan on looking right past those and cutting/printing only those that my family will use. Most of the coupons I find for my family are for fruits/vegetables, basic ingredients, toiletries, household goods and school supplies. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Where do I find coupons?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The easiest place to find coupons is your <b>Sunday newspaper</b>. There are several different types of coupon inserts that can be found<b> </b>each week.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">SS = Smart Source</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">RP = Red Plum</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">PG = Proctor & Gamble</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">K = Kelloggs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">JJ = Johnson & Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">T = Target</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This upcoming Sunday, January 6th is, typically, the best day of the year for coupons. The paper will be filled with more coupon inserts than at any other time of the year. (2013 Coupon Insert Schedule)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Red Plum, 3 Smart Source, 1 Target and 1 Johnson & Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wow! I will be purchasing several papers, in order to have lots of coupons. I prefer to purchase my Sunday paper at The Dollar Tree, as they are only $1. I also purchase them early Saturday morning (the early edition) instead of on Sunday. If they run out before I get there, which often happens, I will purchase double papers at my local neighborhood Walmart.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Be sure to also look through the Parade section of your Sunday paper. There are often coupons located there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Printing coupons online</b> is another easy way to get coupons.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I recommend that you first go to the websites for the products/items your family uses most and look for coupons there. Often times, these companies will have you sign up to receive periodic newsletters in order to get their coupons. <i>Please be sure to set up a specific email address for this sort of thing before signing up!</i> These companies want to market to you. If you give them your regular email address, your inbox will fill up with these newsletters. Having these go to a "deal" email will keep them all in one place where you can go and look through them once each week, rather than dealing with them every day. Many of these newsletters will have coupons for the products that you buy, but some of them won't.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Other online sources for coupons include <a href="http://coupons.com/">coupons.com</a>, <a href="http://smartsource.com/">smartsource.com</a>, <a href="http://couponmom.com/">couponmom.com</a>, and <a href="http://cellfire.com/">cellfire.com</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is so much to share on eating whole foods on a budget! I will stop here for today, but will write more soon. Please let me know if you have any questions!</span></span><br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-58801769231468822822013-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:002013-01-04T16:49:45.307-06:00whole food eating adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYMZKhxlaAj601d211p2-TSAffpCdcLDJEhrCRbNwvrhY94TUC-cp5OAWsKFF7GXWc_LhhbuxXRGGRFIDw4Zb73TclO_7AaoticeKhpyLPvNWEC2v8K64yZKkRmWMosdMfFhWIDZe5nQ/s1600/Whole+Food+Eating+Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYMZKhxlaAj601d211p2-TSAffpCdcLDJEhrCRbNwvrhY94TUC-cp5OAWsKFF7GXWc_LhhbuxXRGGRFIDw4Zb73TclO_7AaoticeKhpyLPvNWEC2v8K64yZKkRmWMosdMfFhWIDZe5nQ/s640/Whole+Food+Eating+Adventure.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really di<span style="font-size: large;">slike the word "diet<span style="font-size: large;">". I have gone on too many diets in my life that have not helped me to make my body healthier at<span style="font-size: large;">.all. I have lost some w<span style="font-size: large;">eight on them, but have generally felt deprived and not good about myself.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am rea<span style="font-size: large;">dy to be healthy. I am ready to be strong. I am ready to feel great!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">To do this, I am taking my family on a life-long adventure. (doesn't that sound much more fun than a diet?) We are going to f<span style="font-size: large;">ocus on Whole Food Eating.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our adventure will include lots of fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken<span style="font-size: large;"> & </span>eggs, wild-caught<span style="font-size: large;"> fish, coconut oil, raw honey<span style="font-size: large;">, </span>butter and full-fat dairy. We will be eating <span style="font-size: large;">less grains, <span style="font-size: large;">making sure that the ones we do eat are whole grains. <span style="font-size: large;">We will be working hard to eliminate processed food<span style="font-size: large;">s<span style="font-size: large;">, m<span style="font-size: large;">aking our own version<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> instead.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, this adventure will include finding deals and saving money. I love to find a good deal<span style="font-size: large;">! <span style="font-size: large;">I also need to stick to my budget. Trying new things can often lead to spending a LOT of money (in my experience) and I want to avoid that.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am looking fo<span style="font-size: large;">rward to spending much more time in the kitchen and sharing my recipes with you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you come along for the ride!<span style="font-size: large;"> Do you already <span style="font-size: large;">focus on whole food eating? <span style="font-size: large;">I would love to hear what works for you.</span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-86094079470918820622013-01-02T09:41:00.002-06:002013-01-02T09:41:40.654-06:00resolutions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkYW68JaSpGfjiB2878RsZqbEh_434l4fzds-E0EQ8nuspoMfFkNgVjTOV65qFbqmMjusa1BIjje4SyZLVZfh1i9I_RO1bbffRXRs0vUZpZIuZ7gYQyB2UBOWBWJ8OTKVVl5dWoK4H14/s1600/Lleyton's+New+Year%27s+Resolutions+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkYW68JaSpGfjiB2878RsZqbEh_434l4fzds-E0EQ8nuspoMfFkNgVjTOV65qFbqmMjusa1BIjje4SyZLVZfh1i9I_RO1bbffRXRs0vUZpZIuZ7gYQyB2UBOWBWJ8OTKVVl5dWoK4H14/s640/Lleyton's+New+Year%27s+Resolutions+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lleyton's personal 2013 resolutions</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">During <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/family-home-evening" target="_blank">Family Home Evening</a> this week, we talked about New Year's Resolutions. We learned about goals and these steps: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Evaluate - decide what needs to be done. Make a list of the things you would like to know, qualities and abilities you would like to develop, and things you want to accomplish in your life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Plan - what to do and when. Write down the goal and how you plan to reach it. A goal not written down is merely a wish!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Act on the plan. If you need help, ask someone to help you complete your goal.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Report on your progress and results. It helps to have accountability by sharing your goals with someone and reporting back to them. If your goal is confidential, share it with your Heavenly Father through prayer and report back to Him.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We had a great family discussion and came up with our Family Resolutions for 2013.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ Daily family prayer</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ Daily family scripture study</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ Family exercise - we plan to run a 5k together later this year (yikes!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ Monthly service opportunities</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was so impressed with the goals my children came up with for our family and for themselves. I am, typically, not very good at keeping all of my New Year's resolutions. I tend to make a HUGE list of the things I want to accomplish and change without making a firm plan for any of the items. That is where I fail. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail - right?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, we now have a written plan for all of our family resolutions! It feels great to be accomplishing things together, as a family.</span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-55639887680432223472013-01-01T01:54:00.001-06:002013-01-02T10:57:49.270-06:00deliberate motherhood<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of my favorite talks from <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/about-general-conference?lang=eng" target="_blank">General Conference</a> was given by Julie B. Beck; <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/mothers-who-know?lang=eng" target="_blank">"Mothers Who Know."</a> I have read some articles lately that use the term deliberate motherhood. To me, this means taking my job as a mother more seriously. Putting motherhood above my own, personal desires. Balance is key. Recognizing that this truly is the most important job I will ever have. Motherhood does not end. It changes throughout the years; ebbs and flows depending on the needs of my children and family, as a whole.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“The responsibility mothers have today has never required more
vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need
mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they
“wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"However, mothers
need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have
made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for
good on their children.” Julie B. Beck, “Mothers Who Know,” Ensign, Nov
2007, 76–78 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I look forward to placing a greater focus on motherhood this year. Enjoying my children and working with my Heavenly Father to help guide them back to Him. I want to be a mother who knows.</span></span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-30208486369967010122012-12-31T10:29:00.000-06:002013-01-02T23:58:50.304-06:00Working Hard<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Alex has been working hard to earn money for her spring color guard trip and EFY. A few weeks ago, we had a babysitting night here at the house. We made it a Polar Express theme and invited lots of friends to join us. Several families took advantage of the night off - we had 16 children attend! It was a lot of fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">She has also been making cinnamon rolls to sell. I used to sell them and had a customer call and ask for some. I had not planned on doing any, but thought it would be a good idea to have Alex help me. We ended up selling 18 pans!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-14708316598020339712012-12-29T10:49:00.000-06:002012-12-31T10:50:21.444-06:00Christmas DayFinally...the fun aspects of our day. (go <a href="http://aprilfrancom.blogspot.com/2012/12/blessings.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see the not so fun) Please excuse the grainy pics...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoFX3TzTaWFDrNShLbBo1seR9nY4Ol_dWM3aqQHdJRDK8NckNVEg-xx8vDCKdv9rf0fN44vOnzzEeeN3OxSGXIqMNo1L2QT_6cgmUuXIKl9HtTWDUu6FUI6eBRWA6wXilizn3R9Z6Ba0/s1600/588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoFX3TzTaWFDrNShLbBo1seR9nY4Ol_dWM3aqQHdJRDK8NckNVEg-xx8vDCKdv9rf0fN44vOnzzEeeN3OxSGXIqMNo1L2QT_6cgmUuXIKl9HtTWDUu6FUI6eBRWA6wXilizn3R9Z6Ba0/s400/588.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Little Drummer Boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room exploded with gifts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His favorite t-shirt from the Stewart family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney Headbands game</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNOW!</td></tr>
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We could hardly believe that it snowed! We actually had a white Christmas. Love!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-15427728616560335712012-12-26T08:48:00.000-06:002013-01-02T12:04:01.940-06:00Christmas Eve<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">This was our very first Christmas in our new home. We did all of the same things that we do every year, but it seemed even more fun and exciting this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Going to the movies (Rise of the Guardians), Christmas Eve soup in sourdough bread bowls, driving to see Christmas lights, family talent show, opening gifts (new pajamas and ornaments), kids making preparations to all sleep in the same room, making a plate of goodies for Santa, checking his location on NORAD, waiting for him to arrive! It was a day full of laughter and fun. We made some great memories. </span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-69119744885131178122012-12-25T21:38:00.000-06:002012-12-25T21:38:42.417-06:00blessings<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have had a wonderful Christmas day. Well, it was wonderful up until we figured out that our washing machine was dumping water ALL OVER the floor! Ugh. I decided to throw a load of towels in the wash and we ended up with a soaking wet floor. We had water everywhere.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In situations like these, I tend to lose it (just a little). Tears were shed (mine) as I hurried to turn off the washer and the water. Of all days to have this happen! Why did it have to be on Christmas?!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Unsure of where to start, we stood there for a few moments just looking at our now sopping wet carpet. I knew that we needed a shop vac. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I quickly posted on Facebook and within a few minutes, two members from <a href="http://lds.org/" target="_blank">our church</a> were at our house with their shop vacs! We were feeling very taken care of.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">While I was feeling badly about our situation and all of our wet, nasty carpet, I remembered that there is a family in our community who lost their home this past week due to a fire. My thoughts immediately turned to my Heavenly Father. Thanking Him for the blessing of my family, our home and friends who come to our rescue. Cleaning up today has been a pain, but I am blessed to have a home to clean! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Funny side note: Last week, while Corey and I were shopping at Costco, we were debating on whether to purchase a shop vac! I told my best friend that you should always make the purchase when the Spirit is guiding you. :) </span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-11756635570710597922012-12-24T07:12:00.000-06:002012-12-24T07:12:47.154-06:00Elf on the Shelf<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are not an Elf on the Shelf family. I see the pictures and ideas of what he/she can do all over <a href="http://pinterest.com/aprilfrancom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I can't keep up with the messes that are made in this house on accident, much less create messes each night for the kids to see and then clean up. I think that having one might give me a panic attack.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even though I choose not to have an elf at our house, I can appreciate the ideas and the fun. As they are SO popular, the <a href="https://birthbootcamp.com/our-board/" target="_blank">fun ladies I work with</a> have created a fabulous video about our own little Elf family. Take a look and be sure to share it!</span></span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-4908677412435673082012-12-23T16:24:00.000-06:002012-12-23T16:24:08.903-06:00Merry Christmas!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This week has given me the opportunity to ponder on the wonder and joy surrounding the birth of the Savior. What a blessing it was to be at church today. I felt the Spirit testify to me so clearly that our Savior, Jesus Christ, lives! As I bore my testimony to the Laurels, I couldn't help crying. I know that Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger those many years ago. I testify that He still lives today. That He loves each of us and is there to love, guide and help us through this life. That if we will follow His example, we will be happy and gain eternal life. I know that as we give of ourselves and serve those around us, we are on our way to becoming more like Him. I am so thankful for His love and the love of our Heavenly Father. I am thankful for all that they have blessed me with.</span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-54430309006631227202012-12-21T09:01:00.000-06:002012-12-31T09:17:11.839-06:00Performance<span style="font-size: small;">Noah had his holiday ban<span style="font-size: small;">d performance. I was happy to be able to go. I mi<span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">sed Alexan<span style="font-size: small;">dra's because of the stomach flu. Yuck.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He plays percussion in the Honors Band<span style="font-size: small;"> and loves it. We hear drumming all.day.long. He drums with his hands, fingers, drum sticks on <span style="font-size: small;">his practice pad and on his new snare drum. Noah was <span style="font-size: small;">recognized for making Region band.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-29809666743701726172012-01-03T09:21:00.003-06:002012-01-03T09:45:25.155-06:002012Wow. I had so many plans this past year with blogging and it just didn't happen. I'm not making any specific blogging goals for 2012. Maybe I'll end up blogging more, because of it. ha!<br /><br />I am really looking forward to this new year. I sat down one night and started a list of what I would like to get accomplished this year. The list ended up being 3-4 pages long! To be fair, I included things like buy a new house and all of my business goals on this list. The list has helped me to feel so much more focused on what I want in my life and what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it. I am excited for each day to begin. (today, that is because I am scheduled to get a 90 minute massage)<br /><br /> My main focus for the year, though, is "Health, Strength and Savings." I want to eat better, become stronger through exercise and save lots of money!<br /><br />I have a strong desire to Embrace Life - enjoy where I am at, while working hard to better myself.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-19192331680724133842011-01-04T08:18:00.004-06:002011-01-04T08:44:59.770-06:00late start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTR4V1x9ThcELz2AftxCVK08OzwgtWOMKffb54mkCjObFxJfBfKpzCnrd53lfrUAwT2wpEb2JaIlOk5tO1uW0816USM-WPVGhJ13YypZSLZiIpFuP3Btb3Ku_e8gWBuSBfWv37rxEDdY/s1600/alarmclockimage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTR4V1x9ThcELz2AftxCVK08OzwgtWOMKffb54mkCjObFxJfBfKpzCnrd53lfrUAwT2wpEb2JaIlOk5tO1uW0816USM-WPVGhJ13YypZSLZiIpFuP3Btb3Ku_e8gWBuSBfWv37rxEDdY/s400/alarmclockimage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558341318408062290" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I am already off to a late start with blogging this year! (of course)<br /><br />This past Sunday, we switched to 9am-12pm church time. I have always loved the early meeting schedule. You are home by lunch and then everyone gets to take a nap. Well, my kids don't take naps anymore, unless they are sick. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be getting my Sunday nap...<br /><br />My calling as Young Women's President is taking more time than ever. With me working most of the week and a counselor who works, it is looking like Sunday nap time is the only time we will have for presidency meetings and visiting. <span style="font-style: italic;">sigh</span> Don't get me wrong, I enjoy serving in Young Women, but it does take a lot of time and sacrifice. The girls are worth it, though!<br /><br />With early church, ward council meetings are even earlier - 7:15am! Wow.<br /><br />****<br /><br />Yesterday, the kids headed back to school. None of them were thrilled about it. It was the very first year, though, that Sophia did not cry! She has always had such a struggle with leaving me to attend school and going back after Christmas break was so hard. She is really growing up. She also has a wonderful teacher this year who really understands her. What a blessing!<br /><br />Corey ended up working from home, so it still felt a little like vacation. I feel like I spent the day doing things just for me. :) I walked on the treadmill, met with Leslie (she is designing some fabulous yw jewelry for me!), went to lunch with Corey and got a massage from the great <a href="http://belliesinbloom.blogspot.com/">Hannah Reasoner</a>! The time flew by - but it was a really good day!<br /><br />I really need to work on taking more pictures!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-65290813999446637532010-12-31T13:38:00.002-06:002010-12-31T13:48:00.714-06:00Holiday FunWe have had a very laid back Christmas break. I have really enjoyed it.<br /><br />We ended up not traveling to visit family this year, due to a lack of funds. I was sad about that, at first, but we are planning trips soon. We missed seeing everyone, but knowing that we will see them soon helped.<br /><br />Corey's last day of work in 2010 was December 23rd. It has been a wonderful week having him home. I have LOVED sleeping in! Now that Alexandra can babysit, no one even wants to run errands with us anymore. They would much rather stay home. So, Corey and I have gone on a lot of small "errand" dates this week!<br /><br />We also took the opportunity to swap kids a couple of nights this week with our dear friend, the Ryan's. We dropped our kids off at their house at 2pm Monday and picked them up at noon on Tuesday. They brought their kids here on Thursday afternoon and picked them up at noon today. This works out so well for us, since neither of us have family here who can take the kids for us. Also, our kids get along so well! They have a great time being together.<br /><br />The New Year is upon us and I have so many plans/thoughts running through my head! One of my major goals is to keep up with this blog at least 3 times per week. This will be my journal of the year. Since I am really not scrapbooking anymore, I plan to turn this blog into a book at the end of the year. I am very excited about this and hope it will keep me from forgetting all of the small moments that mean so much to our family.<br /><br />I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday! Happy New Year!!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-18522619920574827072010-11-02T08:36:00.003-05:002010-11-02T08:49:55.883-05:00a watched pot never boilsOr, I should say, a watched email account never delivers. (huh?)<br /><br />I have been waiting for over a week now for a particular email. It is very frustrating. Part of me, though, is fine with this email not arriving. This email equals change. BIG change. for me, at least.<br /><br />We have decided that it would be best for our family if I were to go to work. yikes. Yes, yes, I know that I teach preschool. It just isn't bringing in the income that we had planned on this year. So, in addition to teaching preschool I am going to be a substitute teacher.<br /><br />I am definitely looking forward to the extra income, just not the work hours. Our nights are already so busy, I'm afraid that I won't be able to get everything done. No, this isn't a full time job. I will only be subbing at my kids' elementary school. I am hoping, though, to work 2 days per week. This will give me 2 days of preschool, 2 days of subbing and 1 day for errands and laundry.<br /><br />Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I am trying to use this time before the email comes to get more organized. I've been going through drawers and closets. I've been compiling my list of crock pot meals. etc. etc.<br /><br />I'm sure it will all be great. There is always a transition phase when starting something new. My family is very supportive and I have a loving Heavenly Father who continues to bless me. So, I am grateful.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-81894288663132619422010-10-22T18:49:00.003-05:002010-10-22T18:54:10.045-05:00Go Rangers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhygR1su_3A9B_emzYH5MngbxFbk2KNu3_QFnWUcdGfK_L9ypmh9zWU5ev0KxCOzUgXOr-k4mkENy4t9j9pcNxt9-D9WsTlHgXNBRH-mmULN3QEeKZtS5ZJMvlHT2n7vzddy2AFzFHuA/s1600/fall+2010+107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhygR1su_3A9B_emzYH5MngbxFbk2KNu3_QFnWUcdGfK_L9ypmh9zWU5ev0KxCOzUgXOr-k4mkENy4t9j9pcNxt9-D9WsTlHgXNBRH-mmULN3QEeKZtS5ZJMvlHT2n7vzddy2AFzFHuA/s400/fall+2010+107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531022293093439522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6FZr5NKGzEP9yXcxwEBPXQ7ywLoYiIhd6jO7_q7WUMzY5bQgaZLJB2uhJZVJwfj0IcjJT4erlL_YCBis8Y-c8aDNQwlTXl0p17vtTSva85Q_eJ8_K79Nv14wMZx1jq5vXidoWlyR4vY/s1600/fall+2010+109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6FZr5NKGzEP9yXcxwEBPXQ7ywLoYiIhd6jO7_q7WUMzY5bQgaZLJB2uhJZVJwfj0IcjJT4erlL_YCBis8Y-c8aDNQwlTXl0p17vtTSva85Q_eJ8_K79Nv14wMZx1jq5vXidoWlyR4vY/s400/fall+2010+109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531022290903375058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_Texas_Rangers_using_claw_and_antlers"><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Antlers!</span></a></div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-24183633584935336472010-07-08T09:51:00.003-05:002010-07-08T10:04:32.970-05:00eight - a day in pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qznGz4b84_X_PbGqLluZH3SdFeSUl4LVGkE_3_ZP34vENfwA4ROqsI4WuEzN_btnoQRQe9vwJH85wslgzEiOztXmkWSqKZJwAw6VZipUfIj5fbb9xnFavkvBiPGk_APG2GrDUuszX94/s1600/june+2010+070.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qznGz4b84_X_PbGqLluZH3SdFeSUl4LVGkE_3_ZP34vENfwA4ROqsI4WuEzN_btnoQRQe9vwJH85wslgzEiOztXmkWSqKZJwAw6VZipUfIj5fbb9xnFavkvBiPGk_APG2GrDUuszX94/s400/june+2010+070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491551370672527186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvkdH2xKh14YUcU2UWgxdIxj9T9J5JVaqYoy-A86K_CGByrBiMWGqLjX2Wlg2Iy-gcokobFXqq71JcoePRgRg6nGbVQpHv_FvbxfA3tWoKO8hrmhQgGxytpgYIAwfwjgLz7CU2ii8iMs/s1600/june+2010+062.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvkdH2xKh14YUcU2UWgxdIxj9T9J5JVaqYoy-A86K_CGByrBiMWGqLjX2Wlg2Iy-gcokobFXqq71JcoePRgRg6nGbVQpHv_FvbxfA3tWoKO8hrmhQgGxytpgYIAwfwjgLz7CU2ii8iMs/s400/june+2010+062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491551357488860626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFlrPgXZ4QZRjAZrN-4ZK7N263KlNQGgwWAR5x7ulAuK9WG1oo5sfJSeUgtDp8NmbZ2CR6u0RZpMqnrDuLRZbyD9CCbWUNx-nd11_orPsBbrpYIOAW4tb3kXpSajEH-aeIamGU66xhAM/s1600/june+2010+044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFlrPgXZ4QZRjAZrN-4ZK7N263KlNQGgwWAR5x7ulAuK9WG1oo5sfJSeUgtDp8NmbZ2CR6u0RZpMqnrDuLRZbyD9CCbWUNx-nd11_orPsBbrpYIOAW4tb3kXpSajEH-aeIamGU66xhAM/s400/june+2010+044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491549885564416498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJHejD0UUWhyphenhyphenmlG6edDMPE3XcAEC068vmdT6r3g1imG7aQzPHOPEkW15UMtHDLF3bgl2MwSpwcaqLutJwtvx8V_o_hrhEoZk1wByS5zzbLaryAcCgVx4LVOX7INZNt67BEXWugkDd4DU/s1600/june+2010+072.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJHejD0UUWhyphenhyphenmlG6edDMPE3XcAEC068vmdT6r3g1imG7aQzPHOPEkW15UMtHDLF3bgl2MwSpwcaqLutJwtvx8V_o_hrhEoZk1wByS5zzbLaryAcCgVx4LVOX7INZNt67BEXWugkDd4DU/s400/june+2010+072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491549879998217010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI7TeQNOMAe1Ul_5JhacEu9QzUntawi3ahsIOpi9kVwp07QZlWf1LJj5a8Wd7m3hXwSTthYMhylTDeRpT3HjpywOpf9fnlx_So8qM5IJ4_uNBC6yhOXyuejbYpvcYzRdQrkAvUeg8rk4/s1600/june+2010+075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI7TeQNOMAe1Ul_5JhacEu9QzUntawi3ahsIOpi9kVwp07QZlWf1LJj5a8Wd7m3hXwSTthYMhylTDeRpT3HjpywOpf9fnlx_So8qM5IJ4_uNBC6yhOXyuejbYpvcYzRdQrkAvUeg8rk4/s400/june+2010+075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491549871257969986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KvL_DNTF90o2YKdwkCs8jV55L-SAgopq2NaWJUbP8DiUcCaQc4hqQ4_zDZDCo2ZzC2_XV8KvXvaaRFinppi09ih9mMvQvdSAOhy8e48ZRsKVnqPvAEb0gBOAyjQz-VPwmqo_RE-yJPU/s1600/june+2010+078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KvL_DNTF90o2YKdwkCs8jV55L-SAgopq2NaWJUbP8DiUcCaQc4hqQ4_zDZDCo2ZzC2_XV8KvXvaaRFinppi09ih9mMvQvdSAOhy8e48ZRsKVnqPvAEb0gBOAyjQz-VPwmqo_RE-yJPU/s400/june+2010+078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491549867030458178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2utZSAMk_4sUSrepzUQ2CltYqo60eclmy1LgVLzNE3u7xd5OwYSpb8kD7cfGEqSHL2FoLDRrYyL_lftHGHGwgYL9XpzNvFoIbwrfFcOT7820DbvgjTbsaUv9Cl2LMDQSIYyb9zLqS1VI/s1600/june+2010+084.JPG"><span><span></span></span></a>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-14105585978167940692010-06-18T08:53:00.003-05:002010-06-18T09:00:27.482-05:00wicked<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_rBzJfA-quDtYLIum0mzmixZuAmtlaTbIyOZ6r_obgrxehWbcVPYFUYPmwfTNhNw7WknnBixurNPCfhyphenhyphenQrqrfyrN1KyPBNj3okkZqZnbbjXGqxcQQ0PsRwKh9O41C9n5I7Z_1Jq7R4/s1600/005.JPG"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX-pudq1WEAdKpnOYVmB0Mn60EId54tN8dT13UvwPGmHA6V_gZAsMhnLBIb2bWDUHfjXtscKn7_xxAWFr2Sr9tVbIqdwF-5pVKFG6IGNjrsO7W4G8Sdp5pB2_hNhfIvTwDDGiRqOVIFc/s1600/Wicked-Poster-wicked-257210_450_497.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX-pudq1WEAdKpnOYVmB0Mn60EId54tN8dT13UvwPGmHA6V_gZAsMhnLBIb2bWDUHfjXtscKn7_xxAWFr2Sr9tVbIqdwF-5pVKFG6IGNjrsO7W4G8Sdp5pB2_hNhfIvTwDDGiRqOVIFc/s400/Wicked-Poster-wicked-257210_450_497.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484111858280510258" border="0" /></a><br />Last night, Corey took me to see the musical Wicked! I have been wanting to see it for a really long time. He surprised me with tickets for my birthday. What a wonderful husband I have! It was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see it again!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_rBzJfA-quDtYLIum0mzmixZuAmtlaTbIyOZ6r_obgrxehWbcVPYFUYPmwfTNhNw7WknnBixurNPCfhyphenhyphenQrqrfyrN1KyPBNj3okkZqZnbbjXGqxcQQ0PsRwKh9O41C9n5I7Z_1Jq7R4/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_rBzJfA-quDtYLIum0mzmixZuAmtlaTbIyOZ6r_obgrxehWbcVPYFUYPmwfTNhNw7WknnBixurNPCfhyphenhyphenQrqrfyrN1KyPBNj3okkZqZnbbjXGqxcQQ0PsRwKh9O41C9n5I7Z_1Jq7R4/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484111865376407986" border="0" /></a>I had Alexandra take a picture of us before we left. This was the best shot of many. Can you tell that Corey is trying extra hard to keep his eyes open? He was squinting in a lot of the pictures. heeheeAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-1058038527321804252010-06-17T08:11:00.003-05:002010-06-17T08:18:06.213-05:00"rock and grohl"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2tJ2HcfR2rWznmi_fs27HpffX3elW4mN4ZBfsx3qZMeHwuEjq4Z4kndNehYJPJKbo8kAAQPSE6gVCYELpdxPQj4pB-BvfJsUKD6zrSxrvFMS4btorNJb4afsE12p8f6z5urTv8lMPBQ/s1600/286.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2tJ2HcfR2rWznmi_fs27HpffX3elW4mN4ZBfsx3qZMeHwuEjq4Z4kndNehYJPJKbo8kAAQPSE6gVCYELpdxPQj4pB-BvfJsUKD6zrSxrvFMS4btorNJb4afsE12p8f6z5urTv8lMPBQ/s400/286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483730103593173522" border="0" /></a>Corey loves The Foo Fighters. So, for our 15th wedding anniversary, one of his gifts was a handmade finger puppet of David Grohl, the lead singer! How clever am I? No, I didn't make it. I found it on etsy. (I love that place.)<br /><br />We had a great time on our anniversary date! We didn't do anything spectacular, but it was nice to just have time together. It has been a fabulous 15 years and we can't wait for an eternity more. (wasn't that cheesy? but true!)Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627498533408635186.post-68866613298681654532010-05-18T22:11:00.000-05:002010-05-18T22:13:00.959-05:00fun with daddy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptetelz3ghhAc_sodmwaUcF0GdSjyyyIrovDnAhTOYbGrD4n1ixOf-BbqSiPTxTsOLZVQ0VfXH_K50aZzNNj5RvuZozYAHe3LKhXSR1u2OoI_9d0pA0OHPCOCCFwtEzB9kL9B_AkTGqk/s1600/CoreyLleytonpics.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptetelz3ghhAc_sodmwaUcF0GdSjyyyIrovDnAhTOYbGrD4n1ixOf-BbqSiPTxTsOLZVQ0VfXH_K50aZzNNj5RvuZozYAHe3LKhXSR1u2OoI_9d0pA0OHPCOCCFwtEzB9kL9B_AkTGqk/s400/CoreyLleytonpics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472813737588421330" border="0" /></a>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08824014649675913699noreply@blogger.com0